Pretzel Bites

I have made pretzels before.  Long, long ago.  I think it was before kids.  They aren't difficult to make.  I'm not sure why I haven't made them more?

These little pretzel bites are quite tasty, warm, right out of the oven.  RT was so into them I had to hold him back from eating them all.  In fact, he ran out to the store for some honey mustard to put on the pretzel bites (or use as a dip).

I don't think these are going to last long.  I will definitely be making another batch soon.

Here's the recipe, taken from Sally's Baking Addiction:

Pretzel Bites

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water (lukewarm is okay)
1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (not hot)
3.75-4.25 cups all purpose flour, plus more for the counter to knead dough
1 large egg, beaten
coarse sea salt for sprinkling


What to do:

Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Stir with spoon until fairly mixed.  Add salt, sugar and butter.  Stir until mixed.  Slowly add 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time.  Mix with wooden spoon until dough is thick.  Add 3/4 cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky.  If it is still sticky, add up to 1/4 cup more.  Poke dough with your finger.  If it bounces back, it is ready to knead.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface.  Knead dough for about 3 minutes.  Shape into a ball.  Place in large mixing bowl (that has been greased with spray, butter, coconut oil).  Cover and let rest in warm area for about 10 minutes.

Oven 425F degrees.  Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper (or silicone baking mats) and set aside.

With a sharp knife, cut ball of dough into 6 sections.  Roll the dough into six 20" long ropes.  Cut the rope into 1.5" pieces to make bites.

Boil 4 1/2 cups water with 1/4 cup baking soda.  Drop 8-10 pretzel bites into water and let sit for about 20 seconds.  Remove with a spatula or tongs and place on baking sheet.  Make sure bites aren't touching.

Brush bites with beaten egg and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and serve alone or with honey mustard or cheese sauce.  Pretzel bites remain fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

These are so good, I don't think they will last more than 3 days.  I know they won't last more than a day here.  :)

Pretzel bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them out and reheat in the oven at 300F degrees until warm.

Enjoy!